Everyone likes to have friends over now and again, but if you want them to come over around dinner time, they'll probably want to eat. Here are some quick tips on how to throw a party, have fun, but not break the bank entertaining your guests.

Over at TheKitchn there's a great list of simple tips to help you plan your party, invite some friends over, and have a good time without having to come up with a "party budget" beforehand. Some of them are pretty simple and straight-forward. For example, a potluck is always a great way to ask friends or neighbors to your home without having to spend hours at the grill or in the kitchen making enough to feed everyone.

Other tips, like inviting friends over at off-peak entertaining hours, are more unusual. For example, asking friends to drop by near the end of the night for dessert and drinks is a much cheaper option than hosting a dinner party or a big all-night blowout with an open bar. Speaking of open bar, another tip is to ask your friends to bring alcohol to contribute. Many good friends will bring something to contribute to the party anyway, but it never hurts to ask, especially considering liquor store trips can get expensive.

What are some of your ways to save a little cash but still have a great time when your friends come by? Share your frugal party planning tips in the comments. Photo by CresySusy.